Discover the secret to effortlessly delicious and comforting meals with our Herb-Infused Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs. This recipe is a true culinary masterpiece, blending the rich, succulent flavors of chicken thighs with a heavenly garlic-herb butter that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s both easy to prepare and bursting with remarkable flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Herb-Infused Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are the unsung heroes of the poultry world, offering a delightful balance of juicy tenderness and robust flavor. In this recipe, we’ve taken those irresistible chicken thighs and elevated them to new heights with a decadent garlic-herb butter that melts into every nook and cranny, creating a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Prepare to be swept away by the aroma of sizzling garlic, the fragrance of fresh herbs, and the mouthwatering savoriness that will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a simple yet flavorful list of ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. The star of the show is, of course, the chicken thighs, which provide the perfect canvas for the herb-infused garlic butter. Alongside the chicken, you’ll need a blend of fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley, as well as unsalted butter, garlic, and a few pantry staples.
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – the ultimate in tender, juicy chicken
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened – the foundation for our heavenly garlic-herb butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – the aromatic backbone of this dish
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped – fragrant and earthy notes
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped – bright, herbaceous flavors
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped – a touch of freshness
Ingredient Substitutions
- Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herb blends, such as adding a touch of sage or swapping in lemon thyme for a brighter note.
- Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier twist, try incorporating a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of paprika.
How to Make Herb-Infused Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Prepare to be swept away by the aroma of sizzling garlic, the fragrance of fresh herbs, and the mouthwatering savoriness that will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by gathering all your ingredients and preheating your oven to 400°F. Prepare the garlic-herb butter by combining the softened butter, minced garlic, and freshly chopped herbs in a small bowl. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper, then set them aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Sear the chicken thighs in a hot, ovenproof skillet or pan, skin-side down, until the skin is crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Flip the thighs and spread the garlic-herb butter evenly over the tops and sides of the chicken. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and let the chicken roast until it’s cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 25-30 minutes.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the thighs rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Serve the Herb-Infused Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs immediately, spooning any extra butter sauce over the top.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the garlic-herb butter for a creamy finish.
- Tangy Finish: Add a splash of white wine or lemon juice to the pan for a bright, tangy note.
- Crisper Skin: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning and searing to achieve an even crispier skin.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with fluffy mashed potatoes, fragrant rice, or a fresh, vibrant salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Fluffy mashed potatoes, fragrant rice, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat the chicken in the oven or microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the garlic-herb butter in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. When it’s time to cook, simply sear the chicken and bake as directed.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of Herb-Infused Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs provides a satisfying blend of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. The chicken thighs are a rich source of lean protein, while the garlic-herb butter adds a touch of indulgence. Enjoy this dish as part of a balanced diet, accompanied by nutritious side dishes to create a well-rounded and nourishing meal.
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 2 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the seared chicken thighs to a baking dish before spreading the garlic-herb butter and finishing in the oven.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are the star of this recipe, you can easily substitute chicken breasts. Keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted, as chicken breasts tend to cook more quickly.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients. Simply ensure that any sides or accompaniments you serve are also gluten-free.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic-herb butter in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. When it’s time to cook, simply sear the chicken and bake as directed.
What should I serve with Herb-Infused Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs?
This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a fresh green salad. The garlic-herb butter also complements rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for sopping up the delicious sauce.
Try These Next
- Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Skewers
- Crispy Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs
- Crispy Maple Bourbon Chicken Thighs With Herb Glaze
Herb-Infused Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍗 Chicken & Poultry Creations
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Succulent chicken thighs infused with aromatic herbs and garlic, finished with rich butter for a mouthwatering meal.
Ingredients
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and rub the garlic herb butter all over the chicken, including under the skin.
4. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Sear the chicken thighs, skin side down, for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown.
6. Flip the chicken thighs and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add lemon zest to the garlic butter mixture.
Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken, garlic, herb, butter